Polybenzoxazole fibers are a type of synthetic fiber with excellent properties and tensile strength. These fibers find applications in various products including protective clothing, automotive, and aerospace applications. Moreover, polybenzoxazole fibers are very durable and are ideal for a variety of industrial processes. Their high tensile strength and thermal stability make them ideal for many demanding applications. Besides, these fibers are used in motorsports.
This fiber is made of a benzene-fused oxazole ring structure. Its tensile strength makes it the strongest manmade fiber. Its decomposition temperature is much higher than that of aramid and demonstrates low creep under stress. It is produced through dry-jet wet spinning, which makes it a difficult and expensive material. Due to these properties, polybenzoxazole fiber is primarily used in the manufacturing of bullet proof vests and high-end sporting goods.
According to Coherent Market Insights Polybenzoxazole Fibers Market - Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast 2019 – 2027.
A high-quality polybenzoxazole fiber has excellent heat resistance, good dimensional stability, and low flammability. It is also chemically resistant to most organic solvents. Although, exposure to strong acids and alkalis may reduce its strength, it has higher strength retention than p-aramids. Toyobo sells both types of Zylon fibers, Zylon (r) and Zylon (s). The highest demand for polybenzoxazole fibers comes from the sports and protective apparel industries. Their flexibility and low self-weight make them suitable for a wide range of applications. In motorsports, for example, polybenzoxazole fibers are used in tires to help prevent airborne wheels from moving during racing. The use of these materials is expected to increase over the next several years. They can even be found in tennis racket strings and fishing rods.
Its inherent viscosity of 30 g/dL at 25degC is sufficient for spinning polybenzoxazole fibers. The polybenzoxazole fibers are capable of being irradiated with ultraviolet light after 100 hours and retain their strength and durability. In general, the tensile strength of the polybenzoxazole fiber is greater than that of polyethylene or carbon fibers. The polybenzoxazole fibers market is expected to grow over the forecast period. The industry is dominated by the U.S. and Europe. The growth in the market is attributed to the increasing demand for space applications. Recently in September 2019, Evonik announced the development of a new generation of polyimide fibers named P84 HT that has improved mechanical stability and flexibility at constant high temperatures.
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